Butcher given permission to speak to Hibernian

Butcher has guided Inverness to seven wins in the Scottish Premiership this season, and is seen by Hibs as the right man to replace Pat Fenlon.

Fenlon left the Easter Road outfit earlier this month following their Scottish Cup exit to Hearts, the 44-year-old declaring he had taken the club as far as he could.

Butcher was linked with the job on Monday but Inverness insisted they had not received an official approach for the 54-year-old.

However, they have now confirmed the former England captain is free to talk to Hibs about becoming their new boss.

“Terry has been informed of the situation and has expressed an interest in meeting with Hibs officials,” chairman Kenny Cameron told the club’s official website.

“The club has, with great reluctance, granted him permission to do so. We will, however, continue to do everything possible to ensure that Terry remains our manager.

“Given our current position in the SPFL and the fact that once again we have a cup semi-final to look forward to, it is inevitable that if any managerial positions arise, our manager will be on the wanted list.

“We have a game on Saturday and it’s important that our club’s focus is on taking three points to maintain our challenge at the top of the league.

“As with the Barnsley approach in January, we will be making no further comment until we’re fully aware of the outcome of discussions.”

Butcher – who won 77 England caps – has been in charge at the Caledonian Stadium since January 2009.